WHAT'S NEW IN CHICAGO: JANUARY 5, 2011

New Year, New Website

Say hello to the brand new, completely revamped ChooseChicago.com. With added features like hot hotel dates and advanced search filters, it's never been easier to book a trip to the city.

Advanced Search Filters
Find exactly what you want — a pet-friendly hotel available in July, a tour that goes down The Magnificent Mile or a sushi restaurant in the South Loop — with a few clicks of the mouse.

Insider Articles
Read stories and tips from real Chicagoans, dig deeper into events and attractions with descriptive articles, and learn how to explore Chicago like a local with Choose Chicago's blog, written by knowledgeable insiders who call Chicago home.

Chicago's hugely popular Restaurant Week returns February 17-26 with a spectacular lineup of primo eats at affordable prices. Whether you want to revisit your favorite haunts or scope out new hot spots, you won't want to miss this once-a-year chance to sample fare created by some of the city's - and the world's - top chefs and restaurants.

During the event, restaurants offer three-course prix fixe menus for $22 for lunch and $33 or $44 for dinner. It's a true celebration of Chicago's world-class culinary scene.

Kicking off the event will be the First Bites Bash presented by United Airlines, February 2, 2012. Inside the magnificent Great Hall of Chicago Union Station, enjoy savory and sweet tastings from over 50 of Chicago's best chefs and restaurants. Chicago restaurateur and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard will host this event, from which 100% of net proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Or take your Chicago Auto Show experience to the ultimate level during the First Bites Bash on February 9, 2012. This formal-attire event is one of the biggest parties and fundraising events of the year. Rock Band Blues Traveler will be on hand to liven up the event, and you can enter to win a 2012 Cadillac Escalade and a 2012 Cadillac SRX. Enjoy champagne, wine, hors d'oeuvres, desserts as you stroll through the show floor. Proceeds from this unforgettable gala benefit 18 Chicago-area charities.

Start planning your adventure on the newly redesigned Chicago Auto Show website, where you can check out the show blog and get show floor maps, listings of celebrity appearances, buyers' links, tickets, and much more.

5 Things to Look Forward to in 2012

From the explosive Mythbusters exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry to the highly anticipated arrival of The Book of Mormon, find out which 2012 events, exhibits and experiences have Chicago buzzing.

1. MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition comes to the Museum of Science & Industry.March 15 – Sept. 2
Just like the series, this thrilling exhibition will show you how to uncover the truth or myth behind everything from toast always landing butter-side down to whether it's possible to blow down a brick house. Participate in hands-on experiments, explore props and gadgets from the show, and watch live demonstrations by myth-busting facilitators. Learn more

2. ChooseChicago.com will release a mobile app.Spring, 2012
Soon, you'll have access to ChooseChicago.com anywhere at anytime, thanks to a new mobile app in development. The app will help you find great things to do — and even great deals — near your location. Stay tuned to future newsletters and ChooseChicago.com for a spring release date.

3. Three Broadway hits arrive on the Chicago stage.April – June; Dec.
It's satirical. It's irreverent. It's explicit. It's full of heart. And now, it's coming to Chicago. The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical, takes on organized religion in a way that is hilarious, poignant and shockingly sweet. Plus, if you've missed out on either Jersey Boys or Cats last time they were in the city, 2012 is the time to catch up. Both of these incredible performances return to Chicago, but heads up: The tours are brief, so get your tickets early. Jersey Boys: April 5 – June 2 | Cats: May 1–6 | Book of Mormon: Begins in Dec.

4. The Field Museum will debut Extreme Mammals.May 26, 2012 – Jan. 6, 2013
Explore the surprising and extraordinary world of mammals. This exhibit showcases amazingly bizarre creatures both tiny and huge, sporting such weird features as oversized claws, massive fangs, strange snouts and odd horns. Plus, what might be the most extreme mammals of all: people.

5. Taste of Chicago packs food and fun into five days.July 11–15
This popular summer festival returns to its foodie roots with a five-day program in 2012, rather than the 10-day event in years past. Head to Grant Park to taste local favorites (like deep-dish pizza), ethnic assortments and innovative dishes from Chicago-area restaurants, and explore the city's cutting-edge culinary scene one bite at a time.